By: MIGUEL G. ESPORAS
A mental health and crisis preparedness seminar proposed by Mr. Miguel Esporas, School DRRM Coordinator and OIC–Assistant School Principal, was held on the morning of December 5, 2025, attended by RS Respond (Regional Science – Rapid Emergency Support for Preparedness, Operations, and Natural Disasters)
members and other Grade 12 learners.
The seminar featured Mr. Chad Vick, who has Masters of Arts in Psychology, delivered an engaging and well-structured discussion on mental health awareness, emotional regulation, and psychological preparedness during emergencies. He clearly differentiated stress from anxiety and explained how each affects individuals, particularly students and first responders.
Mr. Vick shared practical coping strategies such as grounding exercises, controlled breathing, positive self-talk, and cognitive reframing, emphasizing their importance in high-pressure situations. He also discussed how disasters and traumatic events affect brain function, decision-making, and emotional control.
The session highlighted the importance of maintaining calmness, recognizing early signs of trauma and anxiety, and developing mental resilience as a foundation for effective crisis response and recovery. Through interactive discussions and active student participation, the seminar reinforced the value of psychological preparedness alongside physical readiness in disaster and emergency response.
The seminar concluded with an open forum that provided participants an opportunity to actively voice their concerns, questions, and personal insights regarding mental preparedness and trauma awareness. This open exchange fostered meaningful dialogue, allowing students to clarify misconceptions, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of psychological readiness in crisis situations. The forum further strengthened the learning experience by promoting openness, empathy, and collective reflection, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness as an integral part of effective disaster response and recovery.
